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Florida: 5 Things To Know For July 8th

Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.

DELAY SOUGHT IN RE-SENTENCE OF FLORIDA TERROR PLOTTER

A 60-day delay is being sought for the re-sentencing of Jose Padilla, who was convicted in 2007 of terrorism support and conspiracy charges. Miami federal prosecutors and Padilla’s defense lawyer said in a joint motion Monday that more time is needed to sort through classified evidence Padilla wants to use at a sentencing hearing. They are seeking a delay from Aug. 4 to Oct. 7.

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI GETS $13M TO STUDY ALZHEIMER’S

The University of Miami is receiving nearly $13 million in federal funding to identify the genetic risks of Alzheimer’s disease. The four-year grant from the National Institutes of Health is part of a five-university collaboration to identify rare genetic variants that may either protect against, or contribute to Alzheimer’s disease risk.

FLORIDA LOTTERY SALES CONTINUE TO GROW

Sales of Florida Lottery tickets continue to grow. Lottery officials announced that the state sold more than $5.36 billion in tickets during the fiscal year that ended on June 30. That’s the second year in a row that ticket sales have exceeded $5 billion. State officials estimate that the increased sales will result in $1.49 billion going to schools and to pay for programs such as the state’s Bright Futures scholarship program.

HOMELESS TO BE EVICTED FROM GAINESVILLE TENT CITY

Police say the final residents of a large Gainesville homeless encampment will be evicted after complaints of drugs and criminal activity. The so-called “Tent City” is expected to be cleared by midnight on Tuesday. The camp in the woods south of Gainesville overlaps with several private properties, leading to complaints about crime and drugs.

MALNOURISHED BABY DOLPHIN UNDERGOES TREATMENT

A weak and malnourished baby dolphin that was rescued on a Gulf Coast beach is being nursed back to health at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Beachgoers noticed a small young dolphin struggling ashore on Friday on Redington Beach. Aquarium workers helped the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission rescue the animal, identified as a female Atlantic Spotted dolphin.

Charter Communications Inc. is buying fellow cable operator Bright House Networks LLC in a deal valued at $10.4 billion. Charter is the fourth-largest cable operator in the U.S, while Bright House is the sixth biggest wi